The weather this year was very similar to 2006 when I last did this event - sunny spells and wintry showers, though I think the hail showers were a little more frequent and energetic this year. The one that caught me as I traversed the Roaches was dramatic, as was its appearance as it approached. Another touch of drama was the rescue helicopter that buzzed Gradbach before finding a patch to land on, to rescue a stricken walker with a broken leg. I took some
pictures as I trotted round.
The 28 mile route, including the climbs up Shutlingsloe and from Gradbach up onto the Roaches ridge, was challenging. The second half definitely had the most ups and downs.
The food at the checkpoint at the foot of Shutlingsloe looked as spectacular and wide ranging as ever (savoury oatcakes, a rare treat befitting a hundred), but a slice of greased malt loaf was all I needed to keep me going. It's a shame I couldn't do it justice, but I certainly made up for it at the finish. Rarely do we see such a healthy spread - a selection of quiches or pork pie, pasta dishes, rice dishes, salads, olives, boiled eggs, beetroot, coleslaw; and I've probably missed loads out.
Afterwards we helped Vaughan and Anne Wade celebrate Vaughan's 50th birthday with cake supplied by Anne. Happy birthday Vaughan!
Many thanks to Staffs LDWA for a superbly organised event. It deserved to fill up.
